Tips for Doing a Newborn Session with Toddlers

Are you planning a newborn session with toddlers? Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most precious moments, and capturing it on camera is a wonderful way to preserve those memories forever. However, adding a toddler into the mix during a newborn session can feel a little intimidating.

Toddlers, with their boundless energy and short attention spans, can turn even the most carefully planned photoshoot into a challenge. But don’t worry! With the right tips, you can create beautiful, heartwarming images featuring both your newborn and your toddler.

1. Prepare Your Toddler Ahead of Time

Toddlers thrive on routines and predictability, so it’s important to prepare them for what’s coming. Talk to your toddler about the newborn session in advance and explain what will happen. Use simple, upbeat language. Show them pictures of other kids in similar photoshoots to help them visualize. You can even practice some poses together so they’ll feel more comfortable when the day arrives.

If your toddler is old enough, giving them a role can help. For example, they could “help” hold the baby, hand a blanket to the photographer, or hug their new sibling for the camera. Making them feel part of the process will keep their interest and make the session run smoother.

2. Schedule the Right Time

Timing is everything when planning a newborn session with toddlers. Hungry or overtired toddlers are less likely to cooperate, so try to schedule the session around their usual routine. Late mornings often work well after a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast.

Similarly, plan your shoot so your newborn’s feeding and napping schedule is covered. A calm, sleepy baby and a happy, well-rested toddler are the recipe for a successful shoot.

3. Keep Toddler-Friendly Snacks and Toys on Hand

Snacks and toys can be lifesavers during a newborn session with toddlers. Bring along mess-free snacks that your child loves, like crackers or dried fruit, to keep hunger tantrums at bay.

Additionally, a few of their favorite toys can act as comfort items or even photo props. A beloved stuffed animal or blanket might even make it into a shot, adding a personal touch to your images.

4. Keep Things Short and Sweet

Toddlers have short attention spans, so it’s important to work quickly when capturing images of them. Start the session with family and sibling shots while your toddler is still fresh and focused. Once you’ve got those done, allow them to play or explore nearby while the photographer focuses on the newborn.

If there are any specific poses or moments you really want with your toddler, communicate that to the photographer early on. This way they can prioritize capturing those shots before attention wanes.

5. Go with the Flow

Above all, try to stay flexible. A newborn session with toddlers is unlikely to go perfectly according to plan, and that’s okay! Some of the best photos are captured in the in-between moments when real emotions shine through. A quiet snuggle, a curious glance, or a burst of giggles can create truly magical images.

Capture the Moments That Matter

A newborn session with toddlers is a sweet and unpredictable adventure, but with a little preparation and the right guidance, it can result in stunning photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime. If you’re ready to book a newborn session in Athens, GA, we’d love to help you create these precious memories. Contact us today to schedule your session!